The University of Wisconsin-Superior Music Department will feature faculty members Derek Bromme, tuba; Dan Eaton, tuba; Hector Landa, piano; and Brett Jones, percussion; in a free virtual University Recital Series performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23.
The concert will showcase the talents of each musician while they perform some of their favorite works.
“I am performing four pieces,” said Bromme. “Two of them are with a previous teacher of mine, Dan Eaton. This has special meaning for me. He has had a significant hand in me becoming the low brass player and teacher I am.”
For Jones, the concert is a chance to share a particularly meaningful work.
“One piece we are presenting is called ‘Pranksters – at Large,’ a marimba and piano duo written by Robert Kreutz – the composer that I focused on for my dissertation,” said Jones.
While each performer will have a chance to be spotlighted, the concert will also include numerous ensembles.
“We are playing Bach’s first cello suite arranged for two tubas,” said Bromme. “Then Brett Jones will join us for ‘Full Tilt,’ a groovy tune for two tubas and a drum set. It was composed by Mike Forbes and is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve ever heard come out of a tuba.”
With this performance taking place virtually, it also allows performers to utilize technology in a variety of ways.
“The solo piano piece I am playing was composed by our adjunct instructor Ian Deterling and this is the world premiere,” said Landa. “It is called ‘Nosferatu,’ and it is inspired by the homonymous classic German cult film. It features a very unusual use of technology – I play on top of a reversed recording of my own playing. The musical language is reminiscent of the improvised piano music that accompanied silent films of that era.”
Landa and Bromme will also collaborate on a classic piece.
“The other two pieces I perform with Hector Landa at the piano,” said Bromme. “One is a beautiful song by the late film composer Ennio Morricone titled ‘Deborah’s Theme.’ Film music is one of my favorite genres and his music is some of the best written for the screen.”
The evening will conclude with an enlightening performance from a Norwegian composer.
“The last of my songs is called ‘Ordner Seg’ by the world-famous tuba soloist Øystein Baadsvik,” said Bromme. “The definition is particularly poignant for today. It means ‘It’ll be alright.’”
